New Employee OrientationSuspected Child Abuse or Neglect

Reporting Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect

An estimated 100 programs for children are offered by the University or held in University facilities annually (serving an estimated 24,000 children). Our goal is to provide a safe and secure experience for all people in the UW community.

The University of Washington does not tolerate child abuse. Suspected perpetrators of child abuse, including University employees, volunteers, or students, may be removed from the premises and may be subject to arrest and criminal prosecution. Those who engage in child abuse in the workplace, or who use University facilities, property, or resources to engage in child abuse are subject to disciplinary action, including dismissal from employment, engagement, or educational programs.

Reporting

All University employees and volunteers who have reasonable cause to believe that a child has suffered abuse or neglect must report in accordance with University of Washington policy as follows:

Two-Part Reporting:

First, you must notify one of the following:

Call the University of Washington Police Department (UWPD) at 206-685-UWPD (8973) (TTY accessible). If it is outside of UWPD's jurisdiction, UWPD will report it to the appropriate law enforcement agency; or

Call the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) at 866-ENDHARM (866-363-4276) (TTY accessible); or

Call the police department for the location of the suspected incident if it is outside of UWPD's jurisdiction.

Second, if the suspected child abuse may be occurring in a University program or at a University facility, employees and volunteers must also notify their supervisor or departmental administrator after having notified the police or DSHS.